While you can’t predict an emergency, you can be prepared for one. When road tripping in more remote regions, pack an emergency kit and know who to call on for official safety advice and instruction.Ali Kazal
On the afternoon of July 22, 2024, Joe Urie, a Métis guide and owner of Jasper Tour Company, was wrapping up a tour exploring Jasper National Park when he and his group saw a fire spark to life. Urie called for help and tried to contain the fast-moving blaze as much as he could but quickly realized his priority was getting his guests to safety.
”I didn’t want to alarm them,” he says, “but I suggested they might want to pack up their hotel room and stay alert for an evacuation.” Not long after he dropped them off in town, such an order was issued. That fire they saw became the North Fire, part of the 2024 wildfire that burned for almost two months, affected more than 32,000 hectares in the park and forced the evacuation of more than 20,000 people.
As the line of cars stretched away from the fire-ravaged Alberta town, it was a stark reminder that road trips are no longer carefree. Urie has been preparing guests for this reality for years. “I don’t sugarcoat it. Even though the forest might look pristine, it’s not in balance,” he says. Without Indigenous stewardship and traditional burns over the past century, the forest has become more vulnerable, and its health worsened by climate change. “It stopped being a question of if it would burn,” he says, “but when.”
Urie still wonders how his guests fared. As road-tripping tourists, he imagines they felt lost – not knowing where to go, how to get reliable information or what essentials to pack. “It’s one thing to prepare locals for a crisis,” he says. “You have time for that. But someone who just arrived and is leaving in a few days? That’s different.”
Before You Go
It used to be that wildfires, floods and wind storms weren’t on the radar when road-tripping. But local disasters have become so common that understanding a destination’s risks is now a travel essential.
“At this point, it’s hard to find a place that hasn’t been impacted by climate change,” says crisis management professional Jessica Harcombe Fleming.
August has become known as fire season in parts of Canada, but the chance of fire doesn’t mean you have to skip your Canadian road trip. You should, however, research the hazards to prepare for the ride ahead. “Reach out and actually ask at your hotel or the local tourism board about their crisis management plan for visitors,” Harcombe Fleming says.
Some destinations have developed proactive emergency plans for tourists with information about road conditions, weather events and general travel advisories. Destination BC’s Know Before You Go page is an example, and travellers can find information about road closures and where to get live updates about weather events.
On the Road
If a crisis does unfold while you’re travelling, knowing what to do can be confusing – especially if you’re unfamiliar with the geography, language or conditions. Monitoring local news and official sources or using a locally supported app like Alertable, WatchDuty or the Readi App can help. Urie also recommends tapping into the community. “Locals know when something isn’t right,” he says.
But there are ways to be prepared. An emergency kit is something that can always be kept in the car. Include a flashlight, first-aid kit, medications, masks, food and water – anything you might need if you’re evacuated or stranded. Bring a battery pack for devices and keep your gas tank full or battery charged whenever possible.
Staying flexible with your plans can save a trip. Wildfires or floods can affect one area in a region while nearby another is untouched, so be open to changing your itinerary. And develop an evacuation plan. Know the routes and have a designated meeting spot for your group. Download offline maps and carry a paper map for backup.
If You Are Evacuated
Evacuation alerts mean an evacuation order could be coming, and when that hits, it’s crucial to act quickly.
Because conditions change fast and traffic only builds, following instructions is key. Check the evacuation route, inform others of your plans, and depart as soon as possible. If you can, dress in protective clothing – pants, a long-sleeve shirt and closed-toe shoes – to guard against hazards while you’re on the move. Watch for downed power lines, washouts and other dangers, and tune into local radio or apps for updates. And, easier said than done, stay calm and drive steadily.
After reaching safety, let folks know you’re okay, and contact your insurance if needed. Climate change is reshaping the places we visit, but with awareness and preparation, we can still enjoy and respect the landscapes we travel through while staying ready for the unexpected.
